Attorney Richard Stim specializes in small business, copyright, patents, and trademark issues at Nolo. He is the author of many books, including Music Law: How to Run Your Band's Business Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference, and Profit From Your Idea. Stim regularly answers readers' intellectual property questions at Dear Rich: Nolo's Patent, Copyright & Trademark Blog.
Articles By Richard Stim
How to Name a Business
There's a lot of room for personal and professional creativity when choosing a business name, but there are three main considerations to keep in mind: Will your business name receive trademark protection?Is your proposed business name available?If your business will have a website, is a similar domain name available?
Sample Amendment to Contract
This Sample Amendment to Contract can help you incorporate any changes to an existing agreement, quickly and painlessly.
Contract Disclaimers and As Is Provisions
Contract disclaimers let parties to a contract rid themselves of certain responsibilities, while "as is" contract provisions typically put buyers on notice that they're stuck with any problems associated with the product or property they're purchasing. This article discusses the basics of disclaimers
Patent Terms and Definitions
abstract a concise, one-paragraph summary of the patent. It details the structure, nature, and purpose of the invention.
Patent Searching Online
You have a great idea and want to make money from it. Getting a patent can help you do that. The first step in getting a patent for your invention (or determining if you even qualify for one) is finding out if someone else already has a patent for your idea. If your invention is already patented, then you are out of luck. The quickest and easiest way to find out is to do an online patent search.
Getting a Patent on Your Own
To obtain a patent, you must ensure that your invention qualifies and then be able to describe it in your application.
Would Selling Handmade Items Showing Beloved Childrens' Book Characters Violate Copyright Law?
I own a craft consignment shop. A crafter has been bringing me painted pictures and knit sweaters of Winnie the Pooh. Is it legal for me to accept these for resale?
Can I Use a Portion of a Song Without Getting Permission?
Is it okay to use a portion of an instrumental song found online as background to an animation, or does one need permission from the copyright owners?
How Do I Protect My Unpublished Cartoons From Being Copied?
Cartoonists, like all media creators, should take steps to protect their intellectual property.
Is It Trademark Infringement If Someone Uses My Company's Name for a Different Business?
Imagine that another business is using your company's name, but you do not have a federal trademark. Is this still infringement?